A piñata cookie is a sugar cookie that is shaped and colored like a piñata and filled with various ingredients. Piñata cookies may be multicolored, which involves preparing separate batches of cookie dough and dyeing them different colors. The dough is then layered into a loaf with the various colors being separated A cookie cutter may be used to create various shapes. After the cookies are baked, they are further prepared by creating a hollow pocket, inside which the fillings are placed. They may be filled with candies, such as miniature M&Ms candy, chocolate buttons, or other ingredients. They are then sealed using frosting. Piñata cookies are sometimes prepared for Cinco de Mayo.
Common ingredients in the dough's preparation include flour, vegetable oil, butter, sugar, powdered sugar, eggs, cream of tartar, vanilla, salt, food coloring and baking soda.
The piñata cookie has been described as being invented by Sandra Denneler. However, it's possible that versions have been created prior to this.
Similar desserts with a piñata-style filling include cakes, cupcakes and ice cream cones.